5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Chiropractor

Much like choosing a doctor, you want to make sure you choose your chiropractor carefully and with full consideration of a few highly important factors. Below is a list of all the crucial things you should keep in mind.

First, you’ll want to make a list of at least three chiropractors in your area that you can go to. The first two action steps on the list below can be done before meeting them in person then the rest are to be decided on once you’ve had the initial consultation.

Always, always do your research and check for online reviews and feedback from past and present patients.

This is pretty basic but sometimes it still gets overlooked. For something medically related like this, you probably don’t want to impulsively go to a chiropractic clinic without doing some research. Most chiropractors are good people and well trained but there are definitely not everyone and regardless, the quality of service can vary greatly from office to office.

A legit chiropractor will probably have invested in a good website. They would most likely also have enough positive reviews on Yelp and social media sites. If you can get referrals and feedback from family or friends who see chiropractors- that would be even more reliable.

#2 Verify Credentials and Experience

When you choose a chiropractor, you are trusting your body to someone. It sounds dramatic but it’s true.

It’s worth your time to do some verification. See if they list their credentials and education on their website. You can also look at their experience to find out how long they’ve been practicing, the techniques that they use. They may even have an area of specialization that sets them apart.

Another step to look at is their history. Check for any malpractices or sanctions by visiting state websites or Healthgrades.com.

The next steps can be done once you’re face to face with the chiropractor.

#3 Observe Their Communication Style

Do you feel comfortable talking to them about your discomforts and pains? Do you feel supported and are your concerns and questions properly addressed? When they explain the course of treatment, do you understand it clearly? Do they show authentic care and interest in getting to know you and helping you?

These are all important questions that will help you gauge if the chiropractor you are seeing is a good fit for you. Find one that doesn’t put pressure on you to accept unreasonable treatment packages that you feel are not right for you or pay for seminars that you don’t feel like going to.

#4 Do They Have Tailor-Made Treatment Plans?

Your chiropractor should be able to come up with a treatment plan with measurable success indicators and realistic time frame.

They should be able to address your case efficiently with incremental progress that you can see and feel. Ask about the frequency of visits you have to make and the expected out-of-pocket payment before you commit.

#5 A Sense of Accountability

Chiropractic is more than just “feeling better” because that can be difficult to objectively gauge.

A reliable chiropractor always does “before and after” testing to validate a patient’s progress. This involves pre- and post-x-ray studies and functional movement testing.

The benefits of this goes both ways. You are assured that there is proper documentation to the progress and effects of the treatment plan on your body. A good chiropractor tests – they don’t just guess.

Choosing the right chiropractor can prevent you from getting bruised and injured when undergoing the chiropractic treatment. You’ll know if he is the right chiropractor by verifying his credentials, and the years of experience in the industry. Before undergoing chiropractic treatment, be sure to address all your concerns. For example, if you recently have lip fillers to look healthy, you should wait 2 days before seeing the doctor.

You might also want to consider the following: insurance coverage, hospital or clinic environment and whether or not they practice the techniques of your preference (if you have any).

Follow those steps and you should be able to find the right chiropractor for your needs. And don’t be worried if you have to try a couple before making your final decision because that’s normal.